2013 CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE transmission fluid

Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
the3range (with four-speed transmission), or select a
lower gear using the AutoStickshift control (with
six-speed transmission).
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If youREGULARLY TOWa trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transmission fluid and filter as specified for “po-
lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the
“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.NOTE:Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed
transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans-
mission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or transmis-
sion malfunction, see your authorized dealer immedi-
ately for assistance.
AutoStick– If Equipped
– When using the AutoStickshift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or
“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
– Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed
when grade and road conditions allow.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 393

▫Brake System........................447
▫Automatic Transmission................449
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................453
▫Cleaning Center Console Cupholders........459
▫Convertible Top Care...................460
▫Weather Strip Care – Soft And Hard Top.....462
FUSES..............................462
▫Integrated Power Module...............462
VEHICLE STORAGE....................468
REPLACEMENT BULBS.................469BULB REPLACEMENT..................470
▫Headlamp..........................470
▫Front Turn Signal.....................472
▫Front Fog Lamp......................472
▫Backup Lamps.......................473
▫License Plate Lamp....................474
FLUID CAPACITIES.....................475
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ..............................476
▫Engine.............................476
▫Chassis............................477
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module (Fuses) 11 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
6 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further fluid specifica-
tions. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid at
the correct level using the recommended fluid.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 449

NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be
used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque con-
verter shudder. Using a transmission fluid other
than that recommended by the manufacturer, and
will require more frequent fluid and filter changes.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further fluid speci-
fication.
•If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check – Four-Speed Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60
seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the shift lever in
PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt
from entering the transmission.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C),
which is the normal operating temperature after the
vehicle is driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid
cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
Cold fluid is at a temperature of approximately 80° F
(27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole.
•If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the up-
per two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick
tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make sure that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated.
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE